Top 7 Washing Machine Features Rarely Used While Doing Laundry

Laundry day usually follows a familiar routine. Clothes go in, detergent gets poured, a standard cycle is selected, and the start button is pressed. The process feels simple, almost automatic. Yet modern washing machines are far from basic appliances. They come packed with intelligent features that quietly wait for attention. Many of these options were added to solve everyday problems. Some protect delicate fabrics, some reduce electricity bills, while others make life easier during busy weeks. Still, they remain ignored. The reason is simple. Most people stick to what feels safe and familiar. So, here we list the top 7 washing machine features that are rarely used while doing laundry.

Check out lesser-known features of washing machines that can actually enhance your laundry routine; Photo Credit: Pexels

There is also a belief that extra features consume more power or complicate the wash. In reality, several of them do the opposite. They save resources and extend the life of clothes. From handling festival outfits to managing muddy school uniforms, these functions can make a real difference.

This article takes a closer look at seven washing machine features that rarely get used. Each one exists for a reason and fits perfectly into everyday life. Once understood, they can turn laundry from a chore into a smarter routine.

Also Read: Discover These 5 Washing Machines At ₹20,000

Features You Probably Scroll Past On Your Washing Machine Panel

1. Quick Wash Cycle

The quick wash cycle often gets dismissed as ineffective. Many assume it cannot clean clothes properly. That assumption keeps this feature untouched. In reality, quick wash is designed for lightly soiled clothes that need a refresh rather than a deep clean.

Think of gym wear worn for half an hour or office shirts used once in an air-conditioned space. Running a full-length cycle for such clothes wastes water, electricity, and time. A quick wash usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes. It uses less detergent and consumes fewer resources.

This feature proves especially helpful during busy mornings or unexpected plans. A kurta needed for an evening outing or a child's uniform forgotten in the laundry basket can be ready quickly. The key lies in using it for the right load.

Quick wash also reduces fabric wear. Shorter cycles mean less tumbling, which helps clothes last longer. Once this feature becomes part of the routine, it feels like a small luxury that saves both time and money.

2. Delay Start Function

The delay start button often looks confusing, so it gets ignored. Yet it is one of the most practical features in a washing machine. It allows the wash cycle to begin after a set number of hours rather than immediately.

This works beautifully for households with fluctuating schedules. Clothes can be loaded at night and set to wash early in the morning. Fresh laundry waits in the drum, ready to be dried before the day begins. No more damp smells from forgotten loads.

The feature also helps manage electricity usage. In many homes, power consumption costs less during certain hours. Scheduling the wash accordingly can lower monthly bills without any effort.

Delay start suits families juggling work, school, and household chores. It offers control without demanding attention. Once used a few times, it feels surprisingly convenient and quietly efficient.

3. Eco Mode or Energy Saver

Eco mode sounds boring, which may explain its lack of popularity. Many believe it compromises cleanliness. In truth, this feature is designed to wash clothes effectively while using less water and power.

Eco mode adjusts temperature, wash duration, and water levels based on the load. It usually runs longer than standard cycles but consumes fewer resources overall. The extended time allows detergent to work gently yet thoroughly.

This feature suits everyday laundry such as cotton wear, bed linen, and towels. Over time, the savings add up. Lower electricity usage and reduced water consumption make a noticeable difference to monthly expenses.

Eco mode also benefits clothes. Gentler washing means colours fade less and fabrics retain their shape. For households focused on long-term savings and sustainability, this feature deserves far more attention than it gets.

4. Pre-Soak Option

The pre-soak function is a blessing for stubborn stains, yet it remains largely unused. Many prefer soaking clothes in buckets, unaware that the washing machine can handle this task better.

Pre-soak allows clothes to sit in water and detergent before the main wash begins. This loosens dirt and stains, making the actual wash more effective. Muddy trousers, curry spills, and sweaty collars respond well to this option.

Using pre-soak inside the machine saves time and effort. There is no need to monitor buckets or worry about colours bleeding. The machine controls water levels and timing with precision.

This feature works especially well for children's clothes and workwear. Once tried, it replaces manual soaking completely. Laundry becomes less labour-intensive and far more organised.

5. Child Lock Feature

Child lock often gets overlooked until a curious hand presses random buttons mid-cycle. This feature exists to prevent exactly that. It locks the control panel, ensuring settings remain unchanged.

Homes with young children benefit the most. Little ones love pressing buttons and turning knobs. A single touch can pause the wash or alter the cycle. Child lock removes this worry entirely.

Even households without children find this feature useful. Accidental brushes against the panel no longer disrupt the wash. It brings peace of mind during busy moments.

Activating child lock usually requires holding two buttons for a few seconds. Once enabled, the machine runs smoothly without interruptions. It may seem minor, but it protects both the appliance and the laundry process.

Use the child-lock feature to prevent little ones from changing your settings; Photo Credit: Unsplash

6. Drum Clean or Tub Clean Cycle

Many people focus on cleaning clothes but forget the machine itself needs care. The drum clean feature addresses this issue, yet it rarely gets used.

Over time, detergent residue, lint, and moisture build up inside the drum. This can cause unpleasant odours and affect wash quality. Drum clean cycles use high temperatures and powerful spins to clean the interior.

Running this cycle once a month keeps the machine fresh. It also prevents mould and extends the appliance's lifespan. Some machines even remind users when it is time for a drum clean.

This feature requires no clothes and minimal effort. A bit of cleaning agent or vinegar does the trick. Clean machine interiors mean cleaner clothes and fewer maintenance issues in the long run.

7. Extra Rinse Option

The extra rinse button often gets ignored due to concerns about water usage. However, it serves an important purpose for certain households.

This feature adds an additional rinse cycle to remove leftover detergent. It proves helpful for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Babies' clothes and bedding benefit greatly from thorough rinsing.

Extra rinse also helps when washing heavy fabrics like blankets and curtains. Detergent tends to cling to thick materials, and one rinse may not be enough.

Using this option occasionally improves comfort and hygiene. It ensures clothes feel softer and smell fresher. While not needed for every wash, extra rinse earns its place when conditions demand extra care.

Products Related To This Article

1. Whirlpool 8 Kg 5 Star Inverter Supreme Care Front Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine with In-Built Heater

2. Samsung 9 kg, 5 star, Eco Bubble Technology, Wi-Fi

3. IFB 7 Kg 5 Star, DeepClean® Technology, AI Powered

4. LG 7 Kg, 5 Star, Direct Drive Technology, Steam Wash

5. Voltas Beko, A Tata Product 10 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine

Washing machines have evolved into intelligent household companions. Quick wash saves time on busy days. Delay start adds flexibility. Eco mode reduces expenses quietly. Pre-soak tackles stubborn stains with ease. Child lock brings peace of mind. Drum cleaning keeps the machine healthy. Extra rinse ensures comfort and care. Using these features transforms laundry from a routine task into a smarter process.